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In Maliania it is rumoured that to visit and drink from the waters of the Fountain of Aphrodite is to ensure everlasting love between yourself and your beau. Every year in the province on one particular day in the very late of spring, when the blossoms of the town are at their fullest bloom, the province opens their doors to Taengeans from all over the kingdom in search of eternal adore.

Events Being Held

The Queen of Maliania ContestA beauty contest for local girls in which their appearance, singing and dancing are judged. The winner of this event gets to choose her partner for the...

The King of Maliania ContestA strength competition in which men participate in a foot race with a beau of their choice on their back. The young girl their carry wears blossoms in her hair and the winner of the event is decided on both the man's speed (how quickly he completes a circuit of the main town) and his grace (how many blossoms he has managed to not dislodge from the girl's hair with his pace.

The Dance of AphroditeCouples take to the main square in order to dance a celebration to the Goddess of Love, as the sunsets over the province.

Instrumental music filled the crowded area, many Taengeans drinking and laughing as they surrounded a famed fountain that is well-known for it's luck with everlasting lovers. The whole festival looked to be a dull affair until...

A luxurious carriage pulled to a halt, stopping right beside the festival and a pile of numerous women spilled out... All of Taengea's eyes were on Nana, and she, couldn't blame them one bit for their blessed eyesight. Eyes fixated on her, she tossed a dark blonde curls and walked the opposite way unbeknowst that her point of view wasn't close with it's accuracy. The love festival was one of the only events that the woman of eighteen was ambitious enough to care about, for it was the 'Queen of Maliania' contest that she had always set her eyes upon.

Albeit she never won, she hoped that this year wouldn't be rigged. Even when she participated, the men participating in the separate contest rarely picked her to be their partner! Which was their loss because she was the best partner three years ago, an encouraging one too... It was the boy's fault for making them lose that one time, his verbal punishment was deserving in her humble opinion. She knew that men didn't like to be humiliated in front of their peers, but still-- it would be their loss for not picking her again.

She took a few steps away from her sisters and cousin, her eyes shifting from left and right to see whether Selene was within her sight. After brief confirmation, she ripped off the extra linen to expose an aquamarine-colored chiton with the hem two inches shorter than normal, exposing her pale bare legs. Lifting her feet, she smiled whilst admiring the filed nails that complemented the jewels placed around her sandals. Setting her foot down, she placed the linen cloth over her shoulders as a shawl and walked back to the Leventi women with a satisfied smile.

The vain woman narrowed her eyes towards all of them, doing her best not to look into Selene's eyes. Hopefully she wouldn't tell their mother that she cut her chiton so much that went above her knees and were enough to cover her-

Great Gods above, what had Léonide walked into! He had considered himself very good at navigating the many holidays, traditions and spontaneous demonstrations the people of Taengea were prone to celebrate, but this had completely blindsided him. Flowers, jewels, dresses and ribbon danced about the scene like fish in a cramped pond. Pulling Arno by his reins through the crowd that was forming was tiresome enough, atop of the fact that he had no idea where he was going anymore. On a better day, he may have enjoyed the jubilance of the occasion, but he had been travelling all day, only to get caught up in the midst of some gushy love fest. The very thought sent his eyes rolling. A love festival, someone believed it was a good idea. He prayed the goddess of love couldn't hear him cursing “romance” and all the plagues which follow it. Bitter could be a good word to describe how his eyes glinted as happy couples passed. If he already didn’t stand out with his fatally un-greek features and hoarse northern voice, he certainly did now on his lonesome. At least he had Arno, that counted for something, didn’t it?

His eyes were drawn to a splendid carriage stopped not too far from him. Like diamonds falling from a dull leather bag, the women that came from it much outdid their transportation. So this was why this event was held, so pretty people could be pretty, rich, and brag about it. Yuck. His eyes spread over one of the women who left the carriage. She looked vaguely like Evangelina, it wouldn’t be unlikely that they were related, if distantly. She must be a Leventi, he almost wanted to see if Evie was there, but he had more important things on his mind. Like getting the hell out of there.

The crowd only thickened as he went on. There was talk of ‘The Queen of Maliania Contest’, which fell upon the curious ears of the shepherd. The contest, as Léon understood it a beauty contest, was seeming to be the highlight of many conversations. By the way people passionately spoke about it, it was a big deal. He nearly wanted to stay, just to see how the battle of bodices would unravel. His ears picked apart what he could of what the people near to him were saying. All he found was the exchange of fulsome prose between lovers, to Léon’s disgust, and it soon changed whatever desire he had to stay. Pressing on as if an army were behind him, he broke the lines of the horde. He looked back for only a fliching moment. What a story he had for his mother.

Festivals were not up Zenais' alley, especially when the brunette was trying to keep a low profile. Even after 7 years in Taengea, the brunette was still jumpy when presented or mingling in a large crowd. Her safe, comfort zone would always be in the tavern where she worked, surrounded by people she knew, or in a place where she was familiar with. While it was not deadly by any means, Zenais knew that she technically would have very bad consequences if anyone within the Colchian nobility found out where she was now. It was why she preferred to keep a low profile. Many have said her voice would be qualified to perform in the noble courts of Taengea, yet Zenais remained in the pubs and taverns by the dock, and never sought for further jobs.

But her friends within the tavern was having none of it. The festival in Maliania was something they frequented every year as long as they had the chance. From Vasiliadon, it was a brief few hours carriage, and the tavern girls often pooled together their money for the yearly jaunt - and this year, Zenais found herself on that very same carriage.

Her friends sought the fountain said to grant everlasting love - Zenais had no interest. She already knew her so-called 'everlasting love' was doomed. Even after years of leaving Colchis, the dark prince she had had the pleasure and pain of knowing, loving and leaving still lingered in her mind. All the bullshit of time healing everything meant nothing to Zenais, when guilt and want ate at her, and her ears was always peeled to hear of anything from her home Kingdom.

A place she did not think she could ever return to.

But she went along anyway. The tavern had closed for the day due to a water shortage, and she had naught else to do. So as her friends tittered and laughed whilst they ventured amongst the stalls and vendors surrounding the famed Fountain of Aphrodite. The blooms were beautiful, that much Zenais could appreciate.

Hugging herself through her simple pale blue chiton made of the cheapest cotton, Zenais strolled the square in her brown, serviceable slippers, a hood drawn up over her head to cover her rich, honeyed brown hair, and her golden complexion. She was beautiful - Zenais had been told that too many times to deny that. But she also wanted no part in the beauty contest which would be taking place soon. That would draw too much attention to herself. So hiding herself as best as she could, the girl watched from under the dark brown hood as the royal carriage pulled up - and then stepped even further back in the shadows. The Leventi family was famed for the beauty in their daughters - that, and they were too spoken about for Zenais to want to be near them.

Freshly eighteen just the month before, Evangelina was excited to spread her wings. It was that time of year again, that time when love was in the air and the last days of spring were upon them. She didn’t have any expectations with the love festival, not when she’d arrived with the company of the most beautiful girls in the kingdom, perhaps the realm. She was blithe, even if she was a simple daisy among a field of roses in their full blooming glory. At least, the chestnut-haired imp was in the field, no?

As Nana took her time climbing from the carriage, Evangelina fought the urge and the itchy fingers to just give her cousin the slightest of nudges out. It took everything she had not to. It wouldn’t have ended with a slight nudge though and Nana seemed to think this would be her year. Queen of Maliania. That was what Nana had in her sights this year. After Nana had finally descended as if she were the very embodiment of Aphrodite, Evangelina climbed out giving a slight tug to free the wedged silk of the gown from where it stuck to her rounded derriére.

She could feel the eyes of the crowd focused on the carriage they were staring again. She hated when people stared, shifting uncomfortably she felt like an awkward colt being leered at. Unlike Nana, who was taking the opportunity to make adjustments to her gown, Evangelina's dark eyes surfed over the faces in the crowd seeing the familiar faces of her family. Had they already arrived? If they didn’t know she was here, they would soon enough.

Hearing the sound of fabric ripping her eyes widened and she did a double take to make sure it wasn’t Nana’s lavender gown she’d pilfered that morning, but out of the corner of her eye, she saw Nana tearing the beautiful aquamarine fabric just a smidge higher. Oh, Poseidon…! Please take me now…Selene was going to kill her when she saw what she’d done to the chiton.

Her slender fingers grazed across her neck absently wishing she’d worn her hair down and loose. A braided crown weaved a slightly disheveled sort of chignon at the back of her neck with loose tendrils curling around her face adding to the wispiness. The muted lavender was not something Evangelina would have leaned towards naturally. She preferred deep, rich colors you could drown in. The muted lavender was too soft. Too sophisticated. Too prim for the girl who was more at home on a horse than a garden.

“Ready to go, ladies?” Nana was undoubtedly ready to strut her way into the battle for Queen of Maliania. Evangelina, on the other hand, was perfectly happy playing the wallflower and finding her own amusements.

A hand came up to graze the small of her back, steadying her, preventing her from breaking off from the group. Her heart rate jumped and she dropped her thick, sweeping eyelashes downward as she smiled more to herself than anyone else. She could do this... Her head came up and she straightened her posture. Better to be the daisy who grew with roses than the rose who could only bloom with daisies.

Dysmas had arrived in Taengea a couple days ago. Not long after his arrival, he had been invited to attend a festival in the province of Maliania alongside Evangelina and her Leventi family. He had been excited about the festival despite the occasional strange looks from servants and the suspicious snickering from young Lord Konstantinos that seemed to follow Dysmas for the last few days.

It was only now that he was here in Maliania that he learned the reason for the looks and stifled laughter. This was a Love Festival. Dysmas didn’t see anything wrong with attending; he wasn’t attached to anyone romantically -- perhaps participating in the festival would help him remedy that?

Dysmas had to remind himself that he had been invited to attend, as well -- to what end was a question he’d not asked himself until now: when Evangelina emerged from her carriage wearing a beautiful lavender gown. He was speechless, and unsure what the appropriate response to her should be. He and Evangelina were friends. Just friends. And yet, the way she looked today, he could not help himself from wondering if he didn’t want them to be more.

No, that was foolishness. She may be a pretty sight, but many women were. He was getting ahead of himself.

Nana and Selene were lovely in their own right, true visions of Leventi beauty. Men would always be attracted to a woman’s beauty when it was outwardly seen. But Dysmas and Evangelina’s friendship was a testament to his fondness for her personality above her looks -- it was that very reason why her natural beauty had not registered with him before today. Though her appearance was distracting, hers was notably not the only one.

He was here, foremost, to spend time with Evangelina, was he not? It was by her invitation that he was here. She was his focus as his hostess, and as her friend, he would endeavor to make this outing a memorable one. He would have to make it past her family first, of course -- a challenge in and of itself.

Dysmas had not been waiting long for the Leventi women to arrive on the festival grounds. He had not met Nana or Selene before, but Evangelina had mentioned they would be arriving as a group. He gave them a small dip of his head, acknowledging their higher social status than his own.

“My Ladies.” he greeted, a friendly smile on his face, even as he averted his eyes away from the flash of Nana’s bare legs. “It is with great pleasure that I make your acquaintance today. I'm Lord Dysmas of Athenia's Nikolaos House.”

His blue gaze shifted to the shortest among the girls and his smile grew. Dysmas slid his arm behind her, his hand lightly resting at the small of her back. He could feel her posture straighten at his touch -- was it unwelcome, he wondered. Dysmas quickly, awkwardly, retracted his hand from her, using it instead to gesture them toward the festivities. That had been too forward, a fact of which he was none too aware. Though friends, propriety and boundaries in the eye of the public needed to come first.

“The festival is not at all what I had expected, but I am glad to have accepted your invitation, Lady Evangelina. Shall we explore?”

Whether she wanted to remain with her cousins or split up from them, Dysmas didn’t mind either way; he would accompany her regardless.

Olympia couldn’t help but laugh as she watched Nana tearing the material from the bottom of her chiton. It would throw half of the family into a fit but the second youngest Leventi woman couldn’t help it. Pia knew the feeling full well, being the third in a clutch of the most beautiful women in Taengea with two older sisters blessed by Aphrodite, it was all she and the others could do to gain some sort of attention. It didn’t help that she stood in stark contrast to most of the other girls with her hair as black as her mother’s in comparison to all of the other fairer heads around her. Only Theo’s hair came close to being as dark and hers was a far warmer sort of brown that looked inviting instead of harsh.

She’d chosen to lean into the difference of her looks on this occasion that took them to Meliania. Wearing a deep blue chiton that highlighted the contrast of how pale her skin was to the dark curls she’d painstakingly instructed Desma into draping and piling into a bun, a woven belt around her waist of a pale fawn color accentuated her figure. She’d chosen to go once again with contrast, a necklace of deep blue glass fragments hovered just above her breasts which the chiton was cut low enough to give a tantalizing glimpse, but unlike Nana she let hers fall to the appropriate length.

”Yes yes, we’ve been waiting for you silly, let’s be off.”

The man who approached them first she vaguely knew had something to do with them, but she was far less interested in what he had to say aside from his name and title. An Athenian lord would take her out of Taengea, the country she so loved, but it would depend on what his family position was before she could bother to show any interest. If truth be told, while Selene had her eye on Prince Zacharias, Olympia had always found a far more intriguing charm in the younger prince. Stephanos could give her title and riches and prestige without the responsibility of a crown weighing on her head. Scanning for him among the crowd she pursed her lips in disappointment for a moment when she didn’t immediately spot him or any of his entourage before turning a warm smile to the other lord.

”How kind of you to join us today, Lord Dysmas. And fitting that we can show you some of the best of Taengea. Evie, where to first?” His hand on the small of her back, the way they looked at each other, Pia’s eyes narrowed as she noticed the attention shared between the foreign lord and her cousin. Ah well, best to divert his attention to that Leventi then. Evie would thrive outside of Taengea without any burden placed upon her that came with being a Leventi in the country.

There were two carriages to carry the rather large family of Georgios of Leventi. In the first one, a gaggle of girls, the ones who were old enough to attend. It stopped first. Behind it, also decked in the bright purple and white of Leventi, was the carriage that carried Georgios and Evelli. This was a festival that couldn’t miss. Actually, Georgios lived for every one of the festivals that Taengeans had a habit of accumulating. He attended each and every one, no matter what province it was in or who was hosting it.

”Remember when we came and drank from the fountain. Ahh, Evelli, we were so young.” The rocky start to quick wedding was not a happy time, but Georgios was convinced to make the best of it. He hadn’t even met his cousin, but she was beautiful and well versed in all that it was to be a Leventi. Matched before his brother, surprisingly. In all likelihood, it was to keep Georgios from shaming the family considering his lack of respect for class hierarchy. There were rumors about who he had been seeing, but all of it hushed with the marriage being the news of the year. Followed quickly by children to keep all who doubted his affection for his wife at bay. Or maybe it was the fountain just doing its job.

His hand, that had been holding hers all along, gave a light squeeze before he took his leave of the seat. But, it was only for a short moment before he held it up for her to come with him towards the festivities. Georgios looked fondly at his daughters as they dispersed into the people. They were getting to the age where they would be marriage off, though he hated to think about it. It was all too obvious already as they were bright eyed and bushy tailed off to enjoy what the Love Festival had to offer. They were high contenders for the crown of Queen of Maliania contest… but, weren’t they always?

”Do you think I could still get that King of Maliania?” A devious grin to match the daring words. He was getting older and the pair of them hadn’t participated in years. It was for the young to enjoy, but being that he was a child at heart - he was actually genuinely thinking of what it would be like to do it. The pair of them walked slowly through, but only every once and a while did he give a watchful eye towards where his daughters stood. ”Who is that?” He whispered to Evelli as he was obviously gesturing to Dysmas, the tall man near their offspring.

The youngest Mikaelidas had been volunteered by her mother to attend the festival and so she had been roused before dawn in order to bathe. She had dressed in a soft lilac chiton that fell to her ankles and billowed about her legs when she walked. Her hair was intricately plaited and curled and piled atop her head to keep it off her neck in the summer’s heat. She had chosen a gold pendant bearing the House of Mikaelidas crest and her favored gold filigree and green jasper diadem.

Once properly prepared and approved by Queen Elise, Gianna had been shepherded into the Royal Family’s carriage with her assigned security detail seated next to the driver. She had to admit that she felt a twinge of excitement as the carriage rumbled along the roads of Taengea. Gianna peered out the window of the carriage as it neared the heart of Maliania. The market was bustling, the sellers offering samples of their wares to passersby. The streets were filling with contestants for the day’s events and spectators eager to observe the Queen of Maliania contest and pass their own judgement.

The young Princess turned her attention to the bushels of fresh flowers available at nearly every vendor’s stall. She had agreed to attend in order to see the beautiful blossoms produced by the providence every year. At least, that’s what Gianna told herself. She knew her status as a Princess was fraught with duties which she would have to eventually fulfill. Perhaps the most important duty was that of a political marriage. It had never been a secret and was often a topic of discussion in her lessons growing up. And yet there was a part of the girl that would always pine for a marriage built on a foundation of mutual love and respect.

Lost in thought, she did not feel the carriage come to a halt and was startled when the door opened to reveal the square, buzzing with anticipation. Gianna took the coachman’s hand and gingerly exited the carriage. As she melted into the crowd, her attempt at assimilation was undermined by the escort of armed guards who shadowed her wherever she went. Moderately frustrated, but knowing better than to try to run away from her retinue, Gianna distracted herself by glancing over the gathering crowd. She immediately picked out the Leventi family, it was not difficult with the surplus of daughters, and was in the midst of making a mental note to make niceties with Georgios when the collision with a small body effectively derailed her train of thought.

Many carriages were beginning to roll up, and the people of Maliania tittered excitedly about them. The most obvious one was the Leventi carriage, and with it came a horde of beautiful women. Even someone from a distant Kingdom as her have heard of the beauty that befell the Leventi women - as well as how many of them there were. As a noble daughter, she had been forced to learn the names of the foreign nobles, if there ever came an off chance that Zenais would have to deal with them one day. And ironically now, as a commoner in Taengea, she would see them there on that day. Although considering this was called a 'Love Festival', Zenais really shouldn't have been surprised.

Not that they were people she wanted to mingle with.

Cautiously, the girl backed away, nervously fingering her hood to ensure it remained covering her face. Zenais had no wish to partake in any part of this festival, eager for her friends to dictate it time to leave. Yet a simple glanced showed that the common tavern girls were taken by the blooms and men available. The brunette could only sigh as she turned on her heels. At least food was commonplace that she could get some. Her pockets jingled with the few owls she had gained from her pay, pay she rarely used, with how she often stayed indoors.

Deciding that today would be the day she treated herself to some actual food that wasn't pub grub, Zenais meandered over and got herself some mulled wine from a nice looking old grandma who made the brew herself. She paired it off with some freshly made flatbread slathered with butter made of goat's milk, and a small tub of fresh fruit from the province that was famous for fruit. The flatbread was quickly consumed of as she wandered the various merchants peddling their luck trinkets and blooms, the chatter of the females preparing for the Queen of Maliania contest growing as more people arrived.

Her slippered feet eventually brought her back to the fountain. Distracted was she by the gaggle of Leventi's still around, Zenais almost didn't notice a body backing into her until it was too late. The half drank tumbler of mulled wine flew out of her hands and into the one that collided into her, and Zenais's small body fell backwards her hood falling off as her bottom met cobbled floor, a loud 'oof!' accompanying the rapid movement.

The palm of her hand stung by the time the few seconds had wore off for Zenais's conscious to return and inform her of what was going on. With rapidly blinking eyes, Zenais winced as she pushed her back off the pavement, looking up. The brunette first caught the amount of security detail around, before she saw the blonde woman she had presumably ran into, with her mulled wine spilt over her. And then her gaze zeroed in on the insignia she had recognized as the house of Mikaelidas - otherwise known as the royal house in Taengea - and Zenais could not get off the ground fast enough. Apologies flew out of her mouth as she bent at her waist, embarrassment clear in her voice.

"I'm so sorry, I must not have been paying attention to where I'm going. I'll be glad to immediately look for a replacement for your ruined gown, my lady." Her words flew out in a panic as she kept her eyes downwards respectfully, wringing her hands in front of her.

With five daughters, travelling had never been 'light' when it came to the family of Georgios and Evelli of Leventi. Two carriages were needed to carry the family itself, while a third would trail with necessities, a trunk full of a change of clothes in case accidents happened, and many other knick knacks Evelli saw would be useful in the chance that one of her daughters would need some sprucing up. After all, this was the love festival of Maliania, and she intended to seek out some partners for her young ones. Besides, it wasn't as if Georgios was about to miss the festival. Her husband made it a point to attend almost every one.

But Evelli did not complain. Each festival was a ripe ground for her to find good matches for her daughters. She already chomped at the bit that her three eldest were yet to be married. In just two years, her youngest would reach marriageable age already - surely one of them can be married off by now!

Peering out the blinds that covered the windows of their carriage, as if doing so could give her foresight as to who would be attending, her attention was caught when her husband's voice drifted by her ear. The affectionate smile came naturally - it was hard not to fall for Georgios when he wore such an easy going nature, and his heart on a sleeve. Despite it being an arranged marriage, Georgios had made her fall quite easily with his attentions, and everytime after that. "We can still be considered young, if you would only think so husband." she replied smoothly, shooting him a wink. At forty two, Evelli knew it was debatable to call her 'young', but neither did she want to consider herself as an old crone just yet.

Turning her hand that was in his grip, she returned his squeeze, letting the blinds drop as the carriage rolled to a stop. Picking up her navy blue chitons overlaid with a golden threads, she took her husband's assisting hand to descend the carriage, tucking it under his as she too allowed her eyes to wander to their daughters. They were excited, of that Evelli had no doubt. Their cousin had joined them too, with Evangelina under their watch, and while Evelli was not at all keen on her daughter's sharing their spotlight with Evangelina, she could not deny the girl when her girls had a great time with them.

Distracted as her husband spoke again, Evelli turned and laughed when she saw his devious words. "I think you could - as long as you watch your back. I'm not as light as I used to be." After giving birth to five girls, the years had caught up to her. While Evelli retained most of her beauty, she no longer had the willowy, lithe figure she used to have, and it was a fact she mourned everyday during her bath in oils and blooms. Following him through the crowds, her eyes settled on her daughters again just as Georgios asked his question, and her eyes narrowed. Whoever that was, Evelli did not know clearly. The way he held himself spoke of nobility... but Evelli was nothing if not careful of her daughter's reputation.

With only a tug on her husband's arm, she more or less dragged him towards their girls. Nearing them, and only then, did she slow the previously dogged steps she had taken, and pasted a serene, almost slow smile as her eyes glanced at each of her girls, before settling on Dysmas. She had been in earshot just as he introduced himself, and sharp eyes had caught the way he had retracted his arm from Evangelian's body - something which Evelli internally narrowed her eyes at.

"Olympia, I trust you and your sisters to ensure that Nana and Imma are never out of your sight for a second." she murmured to one of her eldest, and the one she was likely closest to. Olympia had wits and ambition, a trait Evelli knew would bring her third daughter far. But she trusted all three of her daughters to watch over each other, and her leveled gaze at all of them warned them all that they were to keep their reputation for the day pristine, or there would be hell to pay. When her eyes eventually fell on Dysmas, the Leventi matriarch's eyes were careful and held a glimmer of warning, as she reached for her husband again. "Lord Dysmas, I see you've made the acquaintance of our daughters." She intentionally placed pressure on stating who the daughters were, her chin tilting slightly upwards as if in warning to the male. "Do you plan on taking part in the footrace?"

It was not that she found him unworthy - he was a lord, of nobility, and from Athenia if she heard correctly. No, he was of good blood, at least. But Evelli would settle for nothing less then princes and kings for her daughters. If he had his sights set on Evangelina, that Evelli would not butt in. At most, she would ask her niece on what transpired for the day. But if his eyes wandered anywhere near her daughters... well, that was something Evelli would not stand for. As she listened to the lord's response, her eyes drifted over to her daughter's again... and then she froze, her eyes widening when she noticed the outfit that Nana had.

Or not have, really.

Her eyes narrowed when she saw how Nana's chiton barely covered her thighs, if at all. Not even bothering to warn her husband, Evelli dropped her hold on his arm, and turned with a polite smile to the lord. "If you will excuse me, Lord Dysmas. I have words to convey to Lady Nana. I shall leave you in my husband's good hands." Evelli curtsied politely, and turned fierce eyes to her youngest. Regardless of her protests, Evelli grabbed the blonde's wrist, and more or less forced the younger ones back to a quieter area where the carriages were parked, speaking in a hard tone as they went. "What were you thinking, Nana? Do you wish to flagrantly display yourself to every man out there? Have some decency!" she hissed, half dragging until they got to the spare carriage where a few maids and footmen lingered around. Not at all releasing her hold, Evelli instructed for the trunk full of clothings to be brought out, and flicked her wrist. Her maid's were well trained enough to rummage through the trunk, and pulled out an ankle length sky blue chiton, with silver clasps and a modest neckline. "You will change, Nana. I mean it." Evelli finally leveled in a firm tone on her younger daughter.

By the time Gianna saw the goblet of mulled wine hurtling through the air, it was too late for the defensive bat of her hand to be of any use. A startled shriek escaped her lips, summoning her guards from their somewhat lackadaisical positions several paces away. The men were ready to defend their Princess from whatever threat loomed, but even the trained hands that reached for their sword hilts were no match for the rogue wine that stained the skirts of her chiton with reaching, oxblood fingers as it continued to spread.

Far more surprised than distressed by the state of her clothing, Gianna finally noticed the small woman on the ground who appeared to be equally as shocked by their unfortunate collision. As Gianna began to offer her hand to the young woman, she sprang to her feet like a startled fawn and offered her respect as words began pouring from her lips, "I'm so sorry, I must not have been paying attention to where I'm going. I'll be glad to immediately look for a replacement for your ruined gown, my lady."

“Her Royal Highness will be addressed appropriately.”

Gianna felt the movement at her side before she heard the disapproving voice of the younger of the two guards. Her eyes slid to the man and silenced him with a cutting glare before returning to the woman in front of her. The hood of the stranger’s cloak had dislodged to reveal the woman’s sun-kissed features. With her honeyed hair and matching golden complexion, Gianna had to wonder why this woman was not gathering to take part in the Queen of Maliania contest. While her chiton was not expensive by any means, the color—that of the Taengean sky on a clear summer’s day—was simply lovely with…

Gianna reached out and ever so gently tilted the young woman’s chin in order to assess her gaze. The eyes that stared back sank Gianna’s heart. While large and soulful, there was something haunted about the woman’s blue eyes, something that reminded the Princess of her days before court obligations had restricted her freedom as the youngest member of the Royal Family. She had been an avid collector of the wretched and forlorn creatures she happened upon during an afternoon ride through the woods or a visit to the agorá of Vasiliádon.

Gianna blinked away the memories as she spoke, “Kosmas, thank you for that unnecessary introduction. I believe I can handle this from here?” She turned her attention back to the woman standing before her, obviously still grappling with her embarrassment at the situation. Gianna grasped the woman’s slender fingers in her hands before she could have the chance to wring her hands too hard. “I am Gianna of Mikaelidas, what may I call you?” she continued, forgoing any semblance of propriety as was her method.

As the woman answered, Gianna offered her sweetest smile as she hooked elbows with her newest friend—and they would be friends, Gianna would see to it. “Oh Zenais, what a lovely name! Kosmas, Pyrrhos, Zenais shall be my guest for the remainder of the festival, I trust you will treat her with the utmost respect.” A grunt of confirmation from both men was more than Gianna had expected. Satisfied, she took in the state of her gown before offering her thoughts, “I must admit, I find your wine has improved my chiton. It looks a bit like a hawk in mid flight, what do you think, Zenais?”

Selene may have had her eye set on Zacharias, but so did every other socially motivated female in Taengea. She was in great company in that regard. So much so that even her own sister had every intention of landing the prince. Theo could have stood aside for her sister… after all, she was older and, some might argue, more entitled to the prince. ….But she’d also grown far older than most girls did when they married and honestly, Theo was tired of waiting for her to find a suiter. She herself was growing old too and she wasn’t about to have her best chances squandered waiting on her sister to make up her mind.

And honestly, who better to catch the attention of at a love festival than the crowned prince of Taengea? ...She’d spoken to him a few times before.. Never in great detail. He was rather popular at social events, after all. ...But if she could get him alone.. Just for a time, she was sure she could convince him to find interest in her. Men fell at her and Selene’s feet daily; enamored with their beauty. And if he hadn’t fallen for the fair featured Selene… well, perhaps a woman of darker features was more to his taste.

And while she hated to use her appearance as a way to ensnare a man.. When catching a future king, one must employ every avenue she had in which to better her chances. So while Evelli had her own motivations for her daughters, Theo had decided weeks ago what her target would be at the Love Festival. She would see no one else save Zacharias of Mikaelidas. The rest be damned.

The carriage ride to Maliania was extensive, but Theo spent the time plotting her moves. Diverting Selene so she wasn’t in the way and going over what she would say to the prince. She’d prepared for the last week; her hair was trimmed and plaited in an elaborate crown of curls atop her head that cascaded in ringlets over her shoulders, and she’d emphasized her beauty with a thin line of kohl beneath her eyes. Her skin looked warm and sunkissed, but not enough to emphasize the soft smattering of freckles across the bridge of her nose. And the fragrant oils she’d rubbed into her skin made it shine in the sunlight.

Her gown was something out of a fairy tale. emerald green, as she knew was Zacharias’s favorite color. It highlighted her skin tone and emphasized her curves. Her hands were well manicured and her lips tinted a soft pink. As the day was warm, she felt no need for a himation and so her shoulders were bare save for the straps that held up her dress; the deep V of the front left just enough for the imagination.

The carriage jostled along the road with sisters in tow and when they finally arrived at the festival, everyone piled out one at a time; smoothing the silk and linens they wore. Already there were so many noble houses there; she saw quite a few families she knew well. But upon exiting the carriage, she only had one focus. A prince and a marriage contract to follow. She wouldn’t be satisfied leaving today without retaining his unwavering attention.

Perhaps if she wasn’t so lost in thought in the carriage ride she would have noticed Nana butchering her dress. At least enough so that she could have stopped her from enraging her mother. But when they stepped from the carriage, everyone’s eyes went to the youngest Leventi and the weight of judgment seemed to fall heavily. Before Theo had a chance to pull her aside, Evelli stepped forward and took her wrist; dragging her away, most likely to force her to change. Honestly, what was she thinking?? Even the flute girls didn’t dress so inappropriately.

Theo raised her brow indifferently as she shook the wrinkles out of her own dress; only half acknowledging the foreign born noble who’d approached Evie and their family as soon as they’d arrived. “Good afternoon, Lord Nikolaos.” His greeting was polite enough….but Evie was a Leventi. ...She could do better.

Without looking at the noble lord, she spoke to Evie. “Evie, Darling.. Won’t you help me find the fountain? It’s bound to get crowded and we should find a cup in which to drink with. And I think I shall require your company for most of the day.” She looked up at her cousin and gave her a sweet smile. “I doubt you’ll have a moment to yourself. Did you hear that Stephanos of Mikaelidas would be in attendance?” Whether or not he would be remained to be seen.. But even the idea of the second born royal was preferable to a noble Lord. Even Evie had to see that.

Dysmas had been ready to explore the festival after collecting his companion, but he supposed he should have been prepared for her family to take particular interest in his presence. To Lady Evangelina’s credit, she had tried to warn him this would happen.

His smile reflected that of Olympia’s, warm and friendly, as he spoke to both her and her notably striking sister. “It is my distinct honor and pleasure, truly.”

Evangelina’s family seemed quite close-knit. Dysmas’s family was close as well, but there seemed to be far more Leventis than there were Nikolaoses. Being surrounded by high society people put him on edge, at least when he was trying to make a good impression. These weren’t just Lords and Ladies, after all, these people were Evangelina’s family. He wanted to continue spending time with her -- and making a mistake in how he presented himself could abruptly end any potential for that.

Olympia would be the next to prompt Evangelina on where they should begin, but before she had a chance to speak another set of Leventis engaged Dysmas in conversation.

Our children, the woman said.

Ah! The realization dawned on Dysmas. He finally had faces to put to names. “Lord Georgios, Lady Evelli,” Dysmas was nothing if not well-studied in influential persons. He gave the pair a bow after greeting them by name and extended his hand to Lord Georgios for a handshake. “I’m pleased to meet you both as well.”

His attention was directed toward Evelli with her chin tilted toward him almost as if in warning -- though to what, he was unsure.

“The footrace?” He peered down at Evangelina for good measure, she hadn’t really told him much of anything about this festival. “In truth, My Lady, I don’t know. I was not aware such an event was taking place, though it sounds interesting. Maybe I will investigate it?”

He was unsure whether Evelli was interested in his participation in the footrace because she wanted him to compete, or if it was that she didn’t want him to compete. Her tone didn’t clearly convey which answer she was seeking, and so Dysmas supposed it would be best to leave the question unspoken.

Dysmas gave the matriarch a bow as she excused herself to handle Nana, silently thanking the Gods that she had left him to Georgios. It was easier to handle one guardian over two. He perked a brow hearing Evangelina’s cousin speak of a fountain and gathering cups. Would it be stupid to ask what the purpose of drinking from the fountain was… probably.

“Perhaps we could accompany you as well, Lady Theodora?” Dysmas suggested with a light gesture toward Olympia who had asked Evangelina where they would venture together first, though he didn't know if Evangelina had prior commitments to accompanying Theodora. He passed a smile to Evangelina, one that he hoped reassured her he was still glad to have accepted her invitation and excited to see all that the festival had to offer.

It really didn't help that the giant men wielding swords had come running up as Zenais regained her senses enough to look up, only to be inundated by fierce looking eyes as they referred to who she had knocked into as 'Her Royal Highness'.

It took less then a second for the young maiden's heart to leap straight into her throat. Her past dalliances with the royal family of her home Kingdom meant that Zenais was easily spooked esepcially when it came to royalty, and her face had paled to a sheet's white even as the princess herself silenced the guards with a cutting glare. But nothing could hide Zenais's eyes wide with shock, her mouth gaping like a fish.

Frozen to the spot, she felt her breathe freeze as Gianna reached over to tilt her chin. The Colchian born lady's mind raced like a hurricane. In her mind, it screamed at her to move, run, get away from this royal persona, for any royalty would mean the Colchian royalty may have a chance of knowing who she was, and Zenais would rather avoid any possibility. A mixture of terror and horror would meet Gianna's gaze, until the princess pulled back to address her guard.

Fully expecting the blonde princess to walk away escorted by her guards, the brunette was caught off guard yet again when the princess addressed her directly, something so surprising Zenais had to muffle a shocked squeak that came from her. Having been averting her gaze, she dragged her honeyed eyes back to Gianna, hesitating just for a moment before answering in a small tone. "Ze-Zenais, my- Your Highness." she murmured. It was a tone far too delicate, in a practice of knowledge in regards to decorum far too fine for it to have come from a simple commoner as Zenais was posing to be, but she had grew up as nobility, and some habits die hard/

But perhaps what surprised Zenais most, was that Gianna suddenly linked arms with her, something that had Zenais gaping again, her wide eyes now staring at Gianna as if she had went mad, even as the princess disregarded her and introduced her to her guards. "I-I-" A hawk? Considering for a moment as she bit her bottom lip, she paused, and then a small laughed escaped her lips, just a little. Laughter as hard to come by when it came to Zenais of Lyncaea in recent years, but something about the young princess spoke of a youth Zenais had almost forgotten in her last decade of trying to escape her own memories. "Perhaps so, Your Highness." she finally responded, falling into step next to her. "But it is entirely up to the interpretation of whoever views it. I have to say, I personally think it looks more like a rabbit, myself."

Melding with the crowd, the sensation of being surrounded by guards was almost nostalgic, something Zenais quickly swept away and tried to bury memories of long past. Instead, she spoke up to the princess, curious on why she had picked her, "Are you here alone, Your Highness? Perhaps I could introduce you to the delicacies of Maliania? I have explored quite a few of the vendors on sale."

One thing you grew accustomed to as a Leventi in Taengea was the ambition of men. From one of the most influential houses in the kingdom, they were ripe with dowries that any manner of social climbers fought to claim. It was nothing new; being approached by wealthy merchants or lower level nobles intent on making a name for themselves. It was amazing Evelli juggled them so expertly while ensuring her daughters were never ensnared by a gentleman breathing sweet words of affection while scheming to line their coffers. Because as far as Theodora was concerned, matches made of love were antiquated and terribly ignorant. Love didn’t conquer empires. Love didn’t enhance your status in society. And so the most intelligent thing a woman could do was to think more of her future and less of her feelings.

So when Dysmas of Nikolaos attempted to insert himself into their party with moon eyes at Evie, Theo felt nothing but annoyance. Because she had little time to escort a lesser-born foreigner who had the hopes of somehow finding a leg up where there wasn’t a foothold for him. She paused in her ministrations to look up at the Lord who somehow meant to escort the girls in a bid for chivalry. “Accompany.” A man who towered over every girl here and a foreigner no less would automatically draw attention away from them and for all the wrong reasons.

She brushed a curl off her shoulder and straightened her back as she took Evie’s hand; squeezing it intently as she offered the man a deceptively polite smile. “Oh, I’m afraid that just isn’t possible, Lord Nikolai.. We have a previous engagement that we don’t wish to be late to.. Don’t we ladies?” Theo glanced at Evie and Olympia pointedly; letting them know without a word that his accompaniment was unwanted and unacceptable.

Before they could speak, she finished with a dismissal and a cool nod of her head. “Good day, My Lord. I hope you enjoy the rest of your stay in Taengea..” Squeezing her hand again, she stepped around Dysmas; taking Evie with her and leaving him behind. When they were out of earshot, Theo leaned in towards the girl and Olympia if she’d followed. “Evangelina. Darling, you are still young. Eighteen if but a day. Don’t sell yourself short and so early on. You have more potential than a lesser noble from a foreign kingdom.” She turned to face both girls and took Evie's chin gently between her fingers. “You are a Leventi. You could be a queen one day.” She looked at Pia as well. “Both of you. If you have a chance to roll your dice, make sure it’s worth the gamble.”

She looked over Evie’s shoulder at the giant-sized Athenian. “Come, my dear... You can help me find a prince. For I have my own ambitions this afternoon.” She looked back at Evie and winked playfully. “Besides.. Leventi’s are notorious for winning the Queen of Maliania contest and what fun would the love festival be if we didn’t at least make an attempt?”

Lady Theodora’s words were unfortunate, and though perhaps she lacked subtlety, she didn’t lack eloquence. Whether or not they were true, though, was another matter. It was possible that Evangelina had simply forgotten she had a prior engagement with her cousins that he could not join, but so too was it possible that Theodora simply may not desire his presence with Evangelina this day or for this event.

Whichever the case, the outcome was clear: He would not be permitted to follow. It may be that they happen upon one another again whilst at the festival, but Dysmas would be left to find company and entertainment on his own. It was not an entirely unexpected development, but one he and Evangelina had been hopeful to avoid.

He accepted the Fates’ judgement. He was more offended the Lady had intentionally used the incorrect family name to address him than he was at being dismissed. Were his sister here, Theodora could certainly have expected a few choice words and possibly a bruised ego to accompany the insult -- Thalia never was the most tactful of Ladies. Thankfully, Thalia was an ocean away, and Dysmas was a much more humble personality.

“Ah. Then, my best wishes for your day's activities, My Ladies.” The Lord gave the women a bow as they took their leave.

He was disappointed, surely, but as the other Leventis had begun to pair off or otherwise split up he found he was left alone. He could head to the fountain on his own he supposed, though he wouldn’t want to make Theodora uncomfortable -- so that wasn’t an option. Dysmas began to move through the crowd, standing taller than most who were present, which always gained him a few stares. Or perhaps they were staring because he looked lost.

Well… he supposed he was a bit lost for direction, so if that was the case, they wouldn’t be wrong.

Dysmas scratched the back of his head with uncertainty. He could not help but overhear pieces of a conversation between a pair of women walking near to him. He had not yet spotted them, but from what he could gather, the voices he focused on within the crowd described a spill of wine on a chiton. One woman believed it looked as a hawk, the other seemed to think it more resembled a rabbit.

Dysmas spun around, catching a glimpse of the women with linked arms. It was the taller of the two, in her billowing lilac chiton that had the stain he knew only from their discussion to be wine. In admiring the mark, he could see what they could not: the splotch was no hawk in flight, but rather, a phoenix rising with outspread wings. It reminded him of his family’s crest. The timing could not be coincidental, Dysmas mused.

Was this to be a sign of direction?

What Dysmas had not caught, as he had been lost in his own thoughts, was the mention of “her highness”. He had never met the Taengean royalty before and was, therefore, unable to recognize a member of the royal family on sight. The ladies were seemingly unguarded at the time of his approach, but although Dysmas had not seen any guards or guardians with them, he was sure someone in the vicinity was keeping an eye on them.

“Excuse me,” he greeted them with a bow of respect, hoping not to alarm them or those who might be watching, “Please forgive my intrusion upon your day. This festival is foreign to me; I am not sure what to expect or where to begin. Would you ladies be opposed to helping me? I fear I may miss out on all the festival has to offer without some guidance, but I wouldn’t wish to be a burden on your own plans for the afternoon.”

"Perhaps so, Your Highness. But it is entirely up to the interpretation of whoever views it. I have to say, I personally think it looks more like a rabbit, myself."

Gianna took a moment to consider her new friend’s words, tugging at her skirts to get a better view of the wine stain until she, too, could see the rabbit’s ears and the faintest of whiskers. Satisfied, she released the fabric and rested her newly freed hand on Zenais’s arm—the one she still held captive at the elbow. As the two women reintegrated into the crowd, Gianna could not help the undue awareness and discomfort that lingered beneath the surface as she felt the weight of countless pairs of eyes. Suddenly embarrassed by the guards in her tread, she almost missed Zenais’s question about the company she kept for the day.

“Oh, yes, I fear I am quite alone this year. My siblings opted to stay in Vasiliádon for one reason or another and Mother and Father had pressing business to attend to. But I find it rather exciting to leave the city and experience the people and provinces of Taengea,” Gianna’s voice trailed off as she stole another glance at the Royal guards lazily trailing behind them. Visibly unsettled, she momentarily released Zenais to confront the men. “Kosmos, Pyrrhos, go enjoy the festival.” She silenced their confused attempts to protest as she continued, “That is an order. I find your presence suffocating which is impeding my own ability to enjoy the day. Now go, Zenais and I shall be fine.”

Taking Zenais by the arm once more, Gianna whisked the older girl away into the throng of people before the guards had time to process her tantrum and stop them from escaping. Her pace slowed only when she was certain that Kosmos and Pyrrhos had lost their visual. A rare, impish grin had been etched into Gianna’s features during their escape and beamed down at Zenais, the rebellion fueling her fire. About to speak, another voice drew her attention. Gianna’s breath caught in her throat as she assessed the owner of the voice—she could not recall ever having encountered anyone so tall.

“Please forgive my intrusion upon your day. This festival is foreign to me; I am not sure what to expect or where to begin. Would you ladies be opposed to helping me? I fear I may miss out on all the festival has to offer without some guidance, but I wouldn’t wish to be a burden on your own plans for the afternoon.”

Ah, a foreigner, that would explain the impressive stature, the princess thought, taking in their newest companion once more. Perhaps even more striking than his height were his eyes. As blue as the Aegean, they shone with a sincerity Gianna had all but given up on seeing amongst the Taengean nobility. Offering Dysmas her sweetest smile, she responded, “You have certainly come to the right place, my friend was just about to introduce me to the delicacies of Maliania. You are more than welcome to join us.”

Having always been her more outspoken daughter, quite unlike the soft subservience she had experienced from her first three, Nana's petulant look as Evelli chided her had the matriarch of the family scowling at her young daughter, an expression she had never wanted to wear at a festival in a province that prized beauty. Hearing no words of argument coming from the blonde however, she did not allow the silence to prolong, and instead waved for the maids to bring the young twenty-one year old to change. She may not be the ageof her elder three sisters, but Nana was of marriageable age and she did not want her daughter to flagrantly display herself as if she was some cheap dockside whore.

When Nana eventually appeared again in the more decent sky blue chiton, fibulae's fastening over her shoulders, and the remainder of the chiffon material falling like the color of the sky over her daughter's fair arms, Evelli nodded her approval. Wandering over, her hands fixed a few of the blonde locks which had went out place, tucking them behind her ear before finally taking Nana's hand. "You will not wander far from me, do you hear me Nana?" Evelli instructed just as they returned to the knot that was her daughters and her niece.

Dysmas was just leaving then, and as the tall Athenian lord was out of earshot by then, Evelli instead turned to Theodora and Evie with a smile. "Theo, I trust you and Evie to keep each other company, and Pia too, I assume." she murmured, an affectionate smile on each of her offspring. "Nana and Imma shall stay with us till the time for the Queen of Maliania to be crowned. Do not get into any accidents girls, we do not want to sabotage your chances." Because only through accident would her daughter's not win. The Queen of Maliania was crowned based on appearance, singing and dancing, all of which her daughter's excelled in. If it was up to Evelli, she would have five crowns, one for each of them.

With a final warning for her two elder offspring to not tarry, and an affectionate smile for her niece, Evelli glanced to the back to make sure Imma and Nana were following (and ignored the fidgeting and frustrated look they wore), before she finally slipped an arm back in her husband's. "Shall we take a look at he wares, my love?" the familiar smile was back to replace the frustrated look Evelli was wearing earlier as she took Nana to task for the shortness of her chiton. "I could do with some goat's milk and buttered flatbread if we wish to dance in the square later."

Having five daughters could make his head spin at times. And there their was the addition of his niece into the mix. He was watching them bustle about and be excited as he stayed close to Evelli at first. The issue was, as happy as it made him to see them happy, he was having a hard time coming to grips with the idea that they were looking for husbands. Real husbands. It almost made him sick when they were already speaking to a man. Just one couldn’t be that distracting.

”Lord Dysmas.” He returned the greeting, however that was all he managed to put into the conversation. The girls were monopolizing the talking of the day. And soon Evelli was pulling one daughter this way while demanding something else the other way. His arms were firmly crossed over his chest to be above and away from it all. At least for a moment when they all seemed to be talking about different things at once.

Evelli had it handled. She always had it handled. The girl’s names were listed and where they all would be. Georgios grinned and stood behind her nodding in almost mockery, but it was out of complete and utter affection for his wife. And only mildly to be sure that his progeny follow her directions and selfishly if they didn’t, he would have to deal with an angry Evelli. Not something he was particularly fond of ruining his day at the Love Festival. This was supposed to be celebrating love and it had been a long, long time. Almost coming upon thirty years of marriage and he never thought of turning his head elsewhere. It was more of a miracle that she put up with him, especially if she caught the faces he was making.

His obnoxious grin only vacated when he heard Evelli finally speaking a question in his direction. A request instead of a demand, like he would say no. Georgios nodded before speaking. ”Then goat’s milk and buttered flatbread it is.” He would buy her three servings if that's what she wanted to dance later. Even the mere suggestion of it had him visualizing the music and the movements. He looked over to her and was thankful that they were able to get to this point. He hated to admit the moment he heard he was being married to a girl he had never even seen.

”The girls just want to have fun, Evelli.” He leaned over with a pat to her hand on his arm. Georgios knew that it would be talked about and it would be the gossip from the festival. However, it would fade and a short dress wasn’t nearly the type of thing that could ruin her forever. Georgios had done far worse. Then again, he was a male. Males were afforded a different sort of expectation. Still, he wanted to see his daughters have a good time. Even worse, if one was ruined - he would have a daughter that would stay in his care for the remainder of his life. That was a selfish thought, even for the middle Leventi Lord.

Georgios easily handed over what was required for Evelli, himself, and anything the youngest two wanted. He could afford to buy their happiness if he had to and made a comment to be sure that they should put smiles back on their faces. They could beat their elder sisters at the competition if they just tried a little. This continued until the music began to play. ”Lady Leventi, would you do me the honor?” He held a hand out for her to talk and with the other arm gestured outward where the people began to gather.